Mussoorie is one of India’s most popular Hill Station. Its references can be seen in various Indian movies be it Bollywood, Tollywood etc. Due to its geography and cold weather all around the year it is preferred by many tourists.
Also, snowfall during the winters is what makes this place a must visit. As then this town gets transformed into a snow village where people of all ages can have fun.
1. The Mall
Visiting Mussoorie is equals to visiting the mall as it is the crux of Mussoorie. The Mall or commonly called as the Mall road is the stretch of road from Gandhi Chowk to the other end of Mussoorie. The stretch has stalls of handicrafts, food, clothes and other things on its both side.
Additionally, the walk on the road become more enthralling when the clouds engulf it. Not only you can see the clouds moving but also you can feel them on yourself making it a never forgetting experience.
2. George Everest
If you are looking for a place away from the hustle bustle of Mussoorie. Also, a place where you can trek the mountain then George Everest is the place for you. This place has the mansion of Sir George in the form of remnants which has historical importance but many of the local tourists especially the young ones visit this place to trek the hill to reach to the mountain top.
From there you can feel the blow of fresh air and a panoramic view of mountains. Don’t visit this place on a sunny day otherwise you’ll be just left with the sweat and the awesome panoramic view.
3. Cable cars and Sky bridge
In the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas, Mussoorie is known as the gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines. Apart from several treks and temples, the town has lakes, gardens, waterfalls, and a lot more to keep a traveler hooked to its charm when trekking in Mussoorie.
Major attractions: Kempty Falls, Happy Valley, Camel’s Back Road, Gun Hill, Mussoorie Lake, Jwalaji Temple, The Mall, Lake Mist
Must do: Sightseeing in Mussoorie is altogether different experience if it is combined with Cable Car Ride and Sky Bridge.
Cable Car: It is a 5-10 minutes ride from Jhulaghat to Gun Hill (2530 m high). The services are available between 10 am to 7 pm in winters and 8 am to 10 pm in summers. Cost: INR 75 for a round trip
Sky Bridge: This is the longest hanging adventure bridge in India made by wire, ropes, and bamboos. It is a 300 ft long hanging bridge at a height of 80 ft, and can hold only 25 at a time.
Cost: INR 300
4. Hiking & Camping
Mussoorie is full of mesmerizing landscapes. Majestic mountains and lush green valleys, drenched in floating clouds, make walks and treks hard to forget. The road towards the Happy Valley from Library Head, from Valley View to Clouds End, and from Waverly Convent to Company Bagh are some of the most beautiful roads in Mussoorie. Walk down these roads and lanes you would know why walking is the best way to explore mountains. There are several trekking and camping options while you explore the wonderlands in Mussoorie, including:
- Nag Tibba Summit
- Bhadraj temple and forest trek
- Har ki dun trek
- Yamunotri Saptarishi Kund trek
- Dodital trekked the thrill of adventure by taking up treks and camping trips at Mussoorie. These undiluted times spent with nature provide you the much needed time for self.
Best time for trekking and camping in Mussoorie: All around the year except the monsoon months of June, July, August and early September.
Trekking and Camping operators: Trail hikers, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd., Gio Adventures
Cost: The cost varies from one trek to another keeping in view the time taken, size of the group, distance and the quality of facilities provided.
5. Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Rock climbing and rappelling have been the most conventional among mountaineering based sports. Mussoorie has various sizes of rocks ranging from 50 ft to 600 ft. One can choose according to their ability, physical fitness, and mental toughness.
Caving: This is a new dimension of mountain adventure. Caving requires the presence of mind, daring attitude, curiosity and guts. It involves thrill, overcoming fear, and passion for the wilderness. 6 km before Dhanaulti, at Burans Khanda, there are several hidden caves surrounded by beautiful alpine meadows, trees, and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. In fact, Mussoorie trekking and mountaineering are the best ways to test your strength!
Cost: INR 500 for rappelling and rock climbing, INR 3600 onwards for Caving tour for a group of 4
Operators: Zip Line Adventures, Mountain Biking, and ATV Rides:
Mountain biking and ATV riding give another dimension to mountain based adventure sports in Mussoorie and are the best adventure activities in Mussoorie. They are all about speed, control, and thrill and are one of the latest ways of exploring vistas of the Himalayan landscape. Rugged terrains and steep slopes, though risky at times, provide great mountain biking experience in Uttarakhand Himalayas.
Cost: INR 500 per hour; post that, INR 200 per hour
6. Paragliding
Mussoorie is one of the best destinations for paragliding in India. Paragliding operators in Mussoorie, largely, offer joyrides on a two-seater glider operated by professional pilots with over 3000 hours of flying experience. This is surely the easiest way to taste the thrill and fun of free flight. It does not need any prior training or experience and one is never too young or old for it. The flights in Mussoorie are long rides of minimum 1 hour (15 km) up to 10,000 ft high.
Best time for paragliding in Mussoorie: All through the year, except for monsoons
Cost: INR 2000 onwards, a long flight of 60 minutes costs INR 10,000
7. Rafting
River Rafting in Mussoorie is the most popular way to taste adventure in Uttarakhand. Swift-moving rivers offer a thrilling experience for white water rafters. These rivers flow through deep forests, rocky terrains, mountains and sometimes even along snowy slopes. Stretches along Alaknanda, Dhauliganga and Kali rivers have several challenging rapids. One can opt for a simple half-day tour and can raft from Barkot to Lakhamandal and Data to Yamuna Bridge, near Mussoorie.
There are plenty of opportunities for fishing in fresh waters and one can avail of the fun of boating as well. The Aglar River and Yamuna River would provide you with ample opportunities for trout fishing. However, you will have to take permits from the Divisional Forest Officer of Mussoorie beforehand. There can’t be better things to do in Mussoorie in March.
Best time for rafting in Mussoorie: All through the year, except for monsoons
Operators: Uttarakhand Tourism Board
Cost: These are mostly customized plans inclusive of camping and vary as per the duration and the length of the expedition
8. Roller Skating
It is indeed surprising that Mussoorie has India’s largest roller skating rink. If you are good at balancing, do try your hands at skating here. Give your feet some wheels, the body a swirl and you’ll feel the adrenaline rush giving you a pleasant high. Among the many skating rinks in Mussoorie, Jaypee Resort’s, The Rink in Kulri Bazaar and Disco Skating Rink, behind Tourist Office, are the popular ones.
Operators: Uttarakhand Tourism Board
9. Winemaking
Popularly known as vinification, the process of making wine is one of the most interesting things to learn in Mussoorie. Mussoorie hosts several workshops that teach you the art of winemaking. One is taught to make a variety of wines from apples, pears, ginger, plum, and grapes, etc.
Within a month, one can have ten bottles of exclusive wine made by their own hands. The recipes are mailed for later references. These workshops usually end with wine tasting sessions. In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Mussoorie in March.
10. Shopping
Not the adventurous kind and wondering what to do in Mussoorie? Go for a shopping gig! The main shopping areas in Mussoorie are the Library, Kulri Bazaar, and Landour Bazaar. The shops, here, sell curios, ethnic jewelry, and antiques. Beyond Kulri Bazaar a road goes 5 km up to the old cantonment area of Landour.
Shops in Landour market sell Raj memorabilia, silver jewelry, and books. One can pick up beautifully handcrafted walking sticks among other things from shops on the Mall. Just below the Mall road is a Tibetan market where one can buy sleeping bags, windcheaters, sweaters and shawls at very reasonable prices.